Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

The Work

The skills required are wide and varied and include working with wood, metals, plastics and other manufactured materials. Using woodworking machines and tools.  
Automation: the use of woodworking machines and CNC is an integral part of manufacturing. Computer skills and CAD/CAM software for CNC programming is an essential part of the trade.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Verify dimensions or check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.
• Produce or assemble components of articles, such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, or high-grade furniture.
• Measure and mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock prior to cutting, following blueprints, to ensure a tight fit and quality product.
• Set up or operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, or shapers, to cut, mold, or shape woodstock or wood substitutes.
• Establish the specifications of articles to be constructed or repaired, or plan the methods or operations for shaping or assembling parts, based on blueprints, drawings, diagrams, or oral or written instructions.
• Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.
• Reinforce joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing.
• Install hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.
• Trim, sand, or scrape surfaces or joints to prepare articles for finishing.
• Match materials for color, grain, or texture, giving attention to knots or other features of the wood.

Further Information

• Cabinet Maker - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

The main entry route for a Cabinet maker or Carpenter / Joiner is through undertaking an apprenticeship. A person may explore preparation options of:  

FET Centre Traineeship: Construction skills & woodwork Search our FET Centre coursefinder 

FET Centre PLC course: Furniture design, carpentry, and construction skills Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

How to become a Carpenter / Joiner apprentice

You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation.

The employer must be approved to train apprentices. The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.

In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.

Entry Requirements:

The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.

The minimum educational requirements are:

1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent, or

2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course or  

3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designate

To get an apprenticeship you should:

• Investigate apprentice job opportunities with local employers
• Look for apprentice job advertisements in local media & social media as many large organisations advertise their apprentice vacancies

 
Structure of Carpentry/ Joinery Apprenticeship
 

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €46k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, shift pattern, and duties. Varies depending on production, fitting, or carpentry supply and support roles. 

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed / Eirieri / CIF Rates

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was slightly above average for this occupation, although employment levels remained below pre-COVID-19 levels. Employment permits issued in 2022 were primarily for shuttering carpenters and mentions of difficult-to-fill vacancies in the Recruitment Agency Survey referred to both carpenters and shuttering carpenters.

There was a large volume of vacancies notified through DSP for shuttering carpenters. Skills for Growth identified a limited demand for snag experts with woodwork skills for the construction sector. Although new apprenticeship registration numbers in 2022 were down on 2021, they exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels (713 in 2022 compared to 597 in 2019), with 228 persons achieving the craft apprenticeship award (carpentry & joinery) in 2021 (compared to 98 in 2016). The DFHERIS report suggests that developments in offsite construction manufacturing may dampen demand for carpenters somewhat; however, the report also signals that a shortage of carpenters is likely to be particularly evident in the short-term, driven paricularly by demand for these skills for housing projects. 

• SOLAS

  • Castleforbes House, Castleforbes Road, Dublin, 1
  • (01) 533 2500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Construction Industry Federation

  • Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
  • (01) 406 6000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• The National Guild of Master Craftsmen

  • 3 Greenmount Lane Harold's Cross Dublin 12
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here